Using a stud cavity or joist cavity for a return air path (sheet metal screwed to the face of the studs). Anybody see them commonly?
(I need to shoot a photo of one)
Dangerous electrical work and widespread misconceptions cause fires, deaths, and $1.5 billion in property damage annually.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Yes. .. Often.
NE, SE and central left hand US.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
yes....
lotsa them here in PA....
wanna drive to Pgh and take a nice shot of the brand new one in the basement I'm remodeling before I cover it up?
Maybe I'll remember and take one for ya.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
Yes I do.
You're in Pittsburg?
Who else has one somewhere in the Northeast (Maine to Maryland will do)?Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor
VT or NY okay.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Do you have a photo opportunity in both of those states?Dan MorrisonOne happy ####-istant editor
Sorry.. Had eye balled them back when.
I'm in Colorado now.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Seldom see panned stud cavities, but panned joist are also common here in KY They ussualy just dw over a stud cavity, slap a return air grill in, and butcher anything in they way on the way to the panned floor joist cavity.
I hope I know wher you are going with this.
Applause, applause!
Dave
It's number 6 on Joseph Lstiburek's top ten list of Dumb things to do to a building. I'm editing the article right now (well, not right now, right now I'm drinking beer and wishing that I could type) and want a photo.
I'd like a nice new one in brand new construction, but I don't think I can justify to my bosses a trip to KY for one picture.
I used to live in TN and they were common in the new houses there too.Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor
Yes, seen that many times. Usually in "older" homes.
My home's got it as well. Done when the original forced air was installed....whenever that was.
using a stud or joist cavity as a return air duct is very common here in sw ontario
nothing wrrong with it as far as i can see, saves duct work if its done correctly
even seen hot air ducts done the same way
caulking is not a piece of trim
Stay tuned for Issue #162Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor
I got a better question for you....'Who HAS'NT EVER SEEN ONE? That type of return air method is more common than ticks on a dog!
Davo
Ticks are bad too.
Where are you located Davo?Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor
Located very near Jeff...near Pittsburgh, PA...closer to Steubenville, OH
Davo
Hey Dan,
The only thing more commonly seen in my neck of the woods other than a panned over joist...is stupid, cheap, outdoor carpet installed on everyones' front and rear porches....How about doing an article on getting that stuff banned for life...all it ever accomplishes is to destroy the concrete underneath it, and/or rot out the wood decking if it happens to be a wood porch.
I've been doing quite a business lately thanks to the damage these concrete porches/steps are suffering due to carpet. After awhile, the water seeps right thru, and then the decking stays wet for an eternity...if concrete, over time it spalls up until it just starts turning to dust.
I built a new set of treated steps over top of a set of concrete ones that were badly deteriorated. The steps and porch were in such bad shape, that I had a heck of a time finding any decent crete that was strong enough to accept my lag shields so that I could attach the stair stringer to....what a mess.
Besides these steps, I'm currently in the process of building another set for a different client, plus am to completely tear out and replace 2 other concrete porches ( approx 5X10) that are badly deteriorated....all thanks to indoor/outdoor carpeting.
Davo
Davo
My guys just tore off an "astroturf" covering over an epdm roof yesterday. Wish I'd taken some pictures. Looked like a 2nd story putting green.
Dan,
I live in a cir. 1895 row house (Toronto) and the return air path is located withing two adjacent joist cavaties and one of the supply duct path's is located within a stud cavity up to the second floor. If your interested I could get some digital pic's and send them off for your viewing pleasure.
Frederic
Thanks Freddy, but Toronto's definitely too far fore me to travel for a single phjoto. Yes, I heard you that you'd shoot one, but our Art Director is not likely to approve the shot.Dan MorrisonOne happy assistant editor
Dan - it's very common here in Philadelphia (unfortunately). If you really wanted to come down to take a picture of one, I'm sure I could show you ten of them.
Nick Pitz
Excuse my ignorance, but why is using the stud space for return air such a bad idea?
I'd guess because most end up like the one in my basement.....leaky.
JeffBuck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite
My parents house has one using the floor joists. A piece of sheet metal screwed to the joists. Every time you walk over the area it makes a banging sound.
If that's the case, then the banging sound is probably an indication that the joists are moving when you walk on the floor; if so, then it isn't the fact that it's used as a duct that is the problem....
If you consider the option of having a honkin big return duct vs a panned in joist bay, it's a lot easier to pop the cover off the joist bay to run wire and pipes across it, than it is to manoever around a big duct.... but I eagerly await 162 o find out.....